Remote control system for photographic apparatus

ABSTRACT

Photographic apparatus and an improved remote control system therefor which functions to carry out a series of operational events in response to the brief manual depression of a remote start switch. The photographic apparatus control system incorporates an electronic latch which is activated only after select initial ones of these operational events are carried out. Additionally, the control system incorporates a feature insuring the successful commencement of a photographic cycle by delaying the deactuation of the start switch after a brief depression thereof.

United StatesPa'tent [191 I Magerman 1 June 4, 1974 [5 REMOTE CONTROL SYSTEM FOR 3,375,335 3/1968 Schultz i. 200/33 R 3.55l,6l5 l2/l970 Dennison... 200/34 PHQTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS r 3,585,321 6/1971 Dennison 200/34 Inventor: Leonard Magerman, 3,585.324 6/197] Renndori'er er al 200/52 R Framingham, Mass. [73] Assignee: Polaroid Corporation, Cambridge, P mary Examiner-James R. Scott Mass.

[22] Filed: Apr. 24, 1972 [57] ABSTRACT [21] Appl. N0.: 246,916 Photographic apparatus and an improved remote conv trol system therefor which functions to carry out a series of operational events in response to the brief mang 200/33 200/52 ual depression of a remote start switch. The photov graphic apparatus comm] System incorporates an C160 [58] held of Search 2 2 tronic latch which is activated only after select initial ones of these operational events are carried out. Additionally, the control system incorporates a feature in- [56] References cued suring the successful commencement of a photo- UNITED STATES PATENTS graphic cycle by delaying the deactuation of the start 3,178,524 4/l965 Frisk 200/34 switch after a brief depression thereof, 3,229,054 l/l966 Finnegan et a]. 200/3 R 3268 675 19 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures PATENTEDJUN 4 m4 3; 8 14 8 72 SHEEI 2 (IF 6 EXPOSURE EXPOSURE v| EWi NG MECHANISM PLANE FOCUSING BLADES OPEN BLOCKED DE s'r/ xRT OPTI NAL CYCOLE EXPOSURE ,-I74 ABORT MECHANISM BLADES CLOSE ACTIVATE -|7s REFLEX ooMPoNENT DRIVE DELAY LATCH I80 ACTIVATED COMMENCE EXPOSURE EXPOSURE MODE CLOSE EXPOSURE I8 MECHANISM BLADES {I86 COCK PROCESS REFLEX COMPONENT LATCH OPEN EXPOSURE use Qggjgf DEACTIVATED MECHANISM BLADES MODE FIG.

PATENTEDJUII 4mm 3.814.872

SHiEY I (If 6 SOLENOID INTEGRATION TRIGGER OUTPUT STATE-284 LOW (286) DELAY OFF MOTOR LOW GATE INPUT (1 Low GATE INPUT b Low GATE INPUT c LOW GATE INPUT d Low HIGH PHOTOGRAPHIC CYCLE GATE A GATE B GATE C soLENoIoa 9 MOTOR POWER POWER DR. ow

EVENT sEouENcE" o b c I, a c u b d t l START SWITCH CLOSED LATCH ENERGIZATION O O O l O O O O O O l RISES, $4 OPENS-SECOND 0 1-0 0 O OO O l l l LATCH ENERGIZATION STATE 4 s oPENs DELAY INTERVAL C8MMENCES oIIooIIo|II 5 COMMENCE EXPOSURE O O l O O l l O O I l 6 TR IGGER- 286 THRESHOLD REACHED l o l l l l o I o l l 7 SHUTTER CLOSES,S2

cL0sEs.oocI INs- I I l o I I0 I I I0 CLOSES.

a s cLosEs IIOOIOOIIOI FIGS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Photographic cameras of a hand-held variety have been proposed wherein the procedure for obtaining a photograph of a scene requires only that the operator frame and focus, following which a start button is depressed to cause the control system of the camera to commence a fully automated photographic cycle, the terminus of which witnesses the delivery of a fully processed print.

Preferably, when in a folded condition, these cameras are of a thin and compact dimension for ease of carrying, while incorporating a reflex viewing system to optimize framing and focusing. A version of a reflex viewing system suited for use in such cameras is de scribed in a copending application for United States patent entitled, Reflex Camera,by E. H. Land, Ser. No. 28,567, filed Apr. l5, 1970, U.S. Pat. No. 3,672,281 and assigned in common herewith. I

The photographic systems embodied within such automatic cameras-require the use of-a multi-event control process in which a film unit positioned at an exposure plane is secured from light both during procedures of viewing or framing and focusinga scene as well as during the performance of control operations converting the camera from .one operational mode to another. For instance, a reflex component is retained against the exposure plane of the camera, thereby blocking light from reaching a film unit when viewing and focusing procedures are carried out through an open shutter or exposure mechanism. In the course of a photographic cycle, this protective positioning of the reflex component is terminated as the component is moved into an exposure position altering the'optical path of the camera. During this conversion, the exposure chamber and the film unit contained therewithin are secured by an automated procedure wherein the shutter or exposure mechanism is retained in a closed status to block the optical path of the camera. When the reflex component is properly seated, the camera assumes an exposure mode configuration permitting an automatically controlled exposure interval to ensue.

Following the automatically regulated interval during which a film unit is exposed, the exposure chamber of the camera is againsecured by retaining the exposure mechanism in a light blocking position while the noted reflex component is returned to a position securing the exposure plane. Automatic processing of an exposed film unit may take place during this conversion of the camera to a viewing and focusing mode. Once the exposure plane is secured by the reflex component, the shutter is returned to a fully open condition in readiness for a next succeeding photographic cycle.

To both prevent inadvertent firing of the system causing an attendant undesired commitment to com pletion of the cycle, and to provide an operator option to abort a cyclewithout film loss at least during early operational control events, the start button should be capable of being manually deactivated. The latter operator option provides for a convenient monitoring of camera performance, for instance, to assure the presence of an adequate power supply.

For convenience of operation of the camera, especially when operating same from a remote location} 2. only a momentary depression of a start button positioned thereon should be needed to cause the camera to carry out a complete photographic cycle.

A remotecontrol system for use with photographic apparatus such as described, supra, has been discovered which shunts the start button for a predetermined time interval in response to a momentary depression of a remote start button which would otherwise be so brief as to abort a cycle. Such a remote control system is more fully described in copending application Ser. No.

' 246,906, filed Apr. 24, 1972, by Edison R. Brandt, and

entitled Remote Control System for Photographic Apparatus", and utilizes a rather complicated arrangement of latches, gears, cam surfaces, and other kinematic members to achieve the desired shunting of the start button for a predetermined delay interval. This prior art remote control system is compatible with the main control system of the photographic apparatus and theelectronic latching feature of the main control system remains able to assure cycle continuity and is capa ble of quenching or shutting down the: electrically powered system of the camera following each cycle.

Another desirable feature of such automated cameras resides in the provision of an overriding function deactivating the latching feature should the start button be held down throughout and following a photographic cycle. Such a feature would prevent the inadvertent generationof asucceeding photographic cycle. With the arrangement, an operator would be required to release the start button in order to take another picture.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is addressed to photographic apparatus and an improved remote control system therefor which enjoys the capability of carrying out a series of control events of predetermined order in response to the momentary depression of a start switch. Partcularly useful with compact, fully automatic cameras, the invention includes an electronic latch having a select delay characteristic. With this characteristic, the control arrangement of the invention provides a camera operator with the opportunity to manually abort a photographic cycle. This aborting option may be carriedout during a select introductory portion of a cycle without affecting an otherwise exposed film unit. 7

Another feature of the invention resides in an improved provision for preventing an unwanted abortion of a photographic cycle as a consequence of inadvertent manual deactuation of a start switch at the commencement of such a cycle when the camera is operated from a remote location. I

In one embodiment of the invention, the latching arrangement is incorporated within a fully automatic camera having a reflex viewing and focusing system. The latter system utilizes a reflex component which is moved between a position securing a film unit positioned at an exposure plane from unwanted illumination and a position re-orienting the optical path of the camera for purposes of exposing the film unit. During movement of this component, the shutter of the camera is closed to secure the exposure chamber thereof. The latching arrangement of the invention is activated for continuously carrying out a given cycle in conjunction with the movement of the reflex component away from the noted securing position; Consequently, a camera operator enjoys the option of aborting any given expo sure cycle until such time as a film unit may be jeoparond energization state in response tothe conversion of I the optical path of the camera by the reflexcomponent, the second energization state serving to commit the automatic camera to complete a photographic cycle. Should the camera operator depress the start switch throughout and beyond the termination of a given photographic cycle, the latch arrangement of the invention reverts only to its first energization state, thereby permitting the automatic camera to refrain from progressing through a next sequential photographic cycle. When operating the camera from a remote location, means are provided for preventing the abortion of a photographic cycle by bypassing the start button.

Another object and feature of the invention is to provide a fully automatic camera incorporating an exposure mechanism or shutter which is energized to block the optical path thereof. The camera utilizes a reflex viewing and focusing system having a reflex component which moves from a position securing a film unit at an exposure plane to a position orienting the optical path of the camera for exposing the film .unit. A cycle phase switch ispositioned within the camera for actuation in correspondence with the movement of the reflex component away from and into the noted securing position. The camera incorporates a latching feature which is selectively delayed throughout an initial period when the exposure mechanism is energized to block the optical path of the camera and until the reflex component is actuated to move from its securing position. As the reflex component moves from its securing position, the noted cycle phase switch is actuated to activate the latch to cause the camera to progress through all of the operational events defining a photographic cycle. This same latch serves to de-energize the. control system of the camera at the termination of a photographic cycle when the reflex component is returned into its securing position from its exposure position. Upon such return, the noted cycle phase switch is again actuated to signal the latch arrangement to de-energize the control sys- -tem of the camera. With such de-energization, the

noted exposure mechanism is de-energized to provide an open shutter condition for viewing and focusing attendant with a next succeeding photographic cycle. Because of the selective delay imparted to the latching feature during said initial period, any deactuation of the start button, as by manually releasing same, prior to the termination of said delay will effectively abort the photographic cycle. When operating the camera from a remote location, as by a long release cable, the user may not be aware that a photographic cycle has been inadvertently aborted because he will be unable to hear any movement or lack thereof of the reflex component and associated mechanism. Accordingly, the long release cable is provided with a pneumatic delay switch mechanism which is designed to shunt the start button for a sufficiently long interval to prevent the user from inadvertently aborting a photographic cycle.

Other objects of the invention will in part be obvious and will in part appear hereinafter. The invention accordingly comprises the apparatus and system possessing the construction, combination of elements and arrangement of parts which are exemplified in the following detailed disclosure. For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. I is a pictorial view of a fully automatic handheld camera incorporating the latching and improved long cable remote control features of the instant invention, the view having portions shown in phantom or broken away to reveal internal structure;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary plan view of an exposure mechanism incorporated in the camera of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a block logic diagram showing the sequence of events occurring during a photographic cycle of the camera of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a control circuit as used in conjunction with the control system of the camera of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a truth table or schedule of operational events performed by the control system of the camera of FIG. 1, showing in logic form the input and output status of multi-gate functions incorporated within the circuit of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an energization status chart for various components of the circuit of FIG. 4 as they operate throughout a photographic cycle;

FIG. 7 provides an exploded perspective of one embodiment'of a portion of the delay mechanism incorporated in the long cable release of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 provides a simplified cross-section of a portion of the remote control of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 9 provides a simplified cross-section of the components of the remote control of FIG. 8 illustrating the components thereof in an alternate position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring to FIG. I, a fully automatic camera incorporating the features of an instant invention is portrayed generally at 10. In the course of a single photographic cycle, the components of camera 10 are automatically re-arranged from positions defining a viewing and focusing mode to orientations establishing an exposure mode, following which the initial viewing and focusing mode is re-established and an exposed film unit is automatically processed. The operational events establishing these mode conversions are sequentially carried out in response to a momentary depression of a singular start button 12 mounted within the forward face of an exposure housing 14. Exposure housing 14 is the forwardmost of a grouping of mutually pivoted or articulated housing components including a rear wall 16, forward wall 18 and base member 20. These components are pivotally associated with base member 20 so as to be foldable thereinto in nesting fashion. When so folded from the erected configuration shown, the camera 10 assumes a thin and compact shape suiting it to be conveniently carried in the pocket of a garment. The specific hinge connections providing for the articulated structure, while not being visible in the figure, are positioned at axes 22, 24, 26 and at the lower rear portion of exposure housing 14. When erected for making an exposure, rear wall 16, forward wall 18 and exposure housing 14 combine in conjunction with an opaque flexible bellows, a portion or fragment of which is illustrated at 28, to define an exposure chamber generally depicted at 30.

A film supply for camera is provided by a disposable film retaining cassette 32 positioned within base member 20. Cassette 32 is removably positioned against an innerframe, a portion of which is shown at 34. lnnerframe 34 is located at and defines the lower surface of exposure chamber 30. Formed having an upward facing rectangular film frame opening defined by a ridge 36, cassette 32 retains a stacked assemblage of film units. The uppermost one of these film units 38 is biased against the bottom of film frame ridge 36, a position coinciding with the exposure plane of camera 10.

Incorporating a highly refined viewing and focusing system, the camera 10 operates in a modified reflex fashion, being convertible between viewingand exposure operational modes by a reflex assembly including a somewhat planar reflex reflecting component 40. Shown in solid line fashion at an intermediate portion during a transition from a viewing focusing mode to an exposure mode of operation, the component 40 is movable during a photographic cycle from a position shown in phantom. at 40 representing its viewingfocusing mode orientation to a position shown in phantom 40" representing its exposure operational mode orientation. Movement between the viewing-focusing and exposure mode positions illustrated in phantom is pivotal, the component 40 being coupled to a rearward portion of inner frame 34 by hinge connections 46 and 48.

Fabricated of a material opaque to light, reflex com-. ponent 40 serves a dual function when in its'viewingfocusing mode position at 40'. lnv particular, whenat the noted 40 position, component 40 extends over and secures or seals the film frame opening defined by ridge 36 of cassette 32. Component 40 additionally is structured to support a viewing surface 50 on its upwardly facing side.

When oriented for viewing and focusing purposes, the components of camera 10 establish an optical path extending from a taking or objective lens assembly mounted within exposure housing 14 at 52, through an open exposure mechanism shown generally at 54, thence to a mirror (not shown) positioned at the inner side of rear wall 16 and thence to viewing surface 50 positioned on the upward surface of component 40. Viewing surface 50 is configured having a texture and optical design facilitating the focusing of the image of the scene to be photographed. This image may be viewed by the camera operator through a collapsible optical entrance assembly depicted generally at 56. A configuration suited for viewing surface 50 is described and claimed in a copending application for U. S. Pat. Ser. No. 141,253, filed May 7, 1971, by William T. Plummer, entitled lmproved Reflective Imaging Apparatus. and assigned in common herewith, while the assembly 56 and its related internal components are described in detail and claimed in a copending application for United States Patent by James G. Baker, filed Dec. 15, 1970, entitled, Reflex Camera and Viewing Device, Ser. No. 98,356, (now U.S. Pat. No. 3,683,775) and assigned in common herewith.

forming under this operational criteria and is describedin more detail and claimed in a commonly assigned copending application for United States Patent entitled, Exposure Control System, by V. K. Eloranta, Ser. No. 68,919 (now U.S. Pat. No. 3,641,889), filed Sept, 2, 1970.

Referring additionally to FIG. 2, exposure mechanism 54 is seen to comprise two blades or elements 60 and 62 which slideably ride across housing 14 in a track (not shown). Each blade, 61) and 62, is formed having a teardrop-shaped aperture opening shown respectively at 64 and 66. Additionally, the blades are formed having secondary openings shown respectively at 68 and which move cooperatively before the light detecting elements of a photosensing network positioned behind an entrance optical assembly 72.

Openings 64 and 66 of respective blades 61) and 62 are mounted for movement across the optical path of the camera 110 as it is established at taking lens 52. Depending upon the position of blades 60 and 62, openings 64 and 66 symmetrically overlap to define selectively varying aperture sizes. Secondary openings 68 and 70 are configured in correspondence with the contours of respective openings 64 and 66. These openings also move in mutual symmetry over the optical path of the light sensing network.

Blades 60 and 62 move in the rated mutual symmetry as a result of their connection with a' walking beam as shown at 74. Walking beam 74 is formed having a centrally disposed hub portion 76 which is journaled for rotation about an upstanding stud (not shown) extending from the rearward portion of exposure control housing 14. Elongate slots, as at 78 and 80, are formed in the outward tip portions of walking beam 74 for the purpose of providing connection with pins 82 and 84 extending, respectively, from blades 60and 62.

Thus interconnected, the blades 60 and 62 move simultaneously and in correspondence with each other to define a continuous progression of symmetrically configured variable aperture openings over the camera optical path at taking lens 52 as well as over the light sensing network optical path at 72.

Walking beam 74 is biased for rotation toward a terminal position. This bias is derived from a spring 86, i

the central portion of which is wound about hub 76. The movable end 88 of spring 86 is configured for biasing contact against walking beam 74, while its stationary end 90 is configured to abut against a pin 92 extending from a rearportion of exposurehousing 14. With spring 86 so connected, the exposure mechanism is biased for moving blades 60 and 62 into a normally open orientation wherein openings 64 and 66, as well as 68 and 70 cooperate to define widest available apertures. This fully open condition of mechanism 54 is shown in FIG. 2.

Movement of blades 60 and 62 from their normally open orientation permitting viewing and focusing into a closed orientation blocking the passage of light along the optical path of the camera is carried out by a tractive electromagnetic drive present as a solenoid mounted within exposure housing 14 upon a bracket as 7 at 102. Solenoid 100 is designed having an internally disposed cylindrical plunger or armature 104 which retracts inwardly witnin an excitation winding upon energization thereof. Plunger 1.04. is connected to walking beam 74 by a comb-shaped connector 106 slideably fitted over a pin 108 extending from beam 74.

When solenoid 100 is energized to retract plunger 104, walking beam 74 is rotated rapidly against the bias of spring 86 to move blades 60 and 62 into the fully closed orientation shown in FIG. 1. Note in FIG. 1 that the optical path of the camera as defined through taking lens 52 is completely blocked, thereby securing exposure chamber 30 from the presence of scene light.

During a viewing focusing operational mode, when spring 86 holds blades 60 and 62 in a terminal position defining maximum aperture, reflex component 40 is held in its light securing position 40' by an actuator system which operates through the interaction of drive springs (not shown) normally biasing component 40 into its elevated position 40" with a motor driven latching arrangement. Described in detail and claimed in a I copending application for United States Patent by E. H.

Land, I. Blinow, and V. K. Eloranta, entitled, Reflex Camera,"- Ser. No. 134,733, filed Apr. 16, 1971, US. Pat. No. 3,714,879 and assigned in common herewith, the actuator system utilizes the output of a motor 120 to regulate a mechanicalcontrol linkage including a ram 122 by selectively driving an elongate, thin gear train, certain components of which are shown generally at 124 extending along one side of camera 10. Gear train 124 includes one reduction ratio circuit terminating in a phase control cam 126 which is rotatably driven through one revolution during the course of a single photographic cycle. Cam 126 operates in conjunction with a cam follower 128 mounted upon the inwardly facing side of elongate ram 122. Ram 122, in turn, is slideably positioned along the outer face of gear train 124 and is driveably connected to an input bell crank 130. Bell crank 130 is coupled into hinge assembly 46 through the noted drive springs which continually bias reflex component 40 to pivot about hinges 46 and 48 into position 40" abutting the innerface of rear wall 16. This drive spring as well as other associated linkages required to provide this upward bias are described indetail in aforementioned US. Pat. No. 3,714,879.

Through controlled, selective energization of motor 120, the cooperating'cam 126 and cam follower 128 serve to retain reflex component 40 in position 40 when the camera is in its viewing-focusing mode. When so retained, cam 126 is in a radial orientation wherein it holds follower 128 and associated ram 122 at a terminal rearward position. An energization of motor 120 early in a given photographic cycle causes the gear train to rotate cam 126 to a position whereat follower I28 releases from follower contact therewith, permitting ram 122 to be driven by the drive springs of the camera to a terminal forward position and, as a consequence, simultaneously permitting reflex component 40 to be driven into its exposure mode position 40". During this mode transition, exposure mechanism 54 assumes the fully closed condition shown in FIG. 1. FIG. I also reveals a solid line representation of reflex component 42 at a position near to its contact with rear wall 16. Note, that follower 128 is off of the contact surface of cam 126 thereby providing its free forwardly directed movement.

As ram 122 commences forward movement in conjunction with the release of reflex component 40 from its position 40', an inwardly extending tab 132 releases from engagement with a resilient leaf 134 of a switch identified generally as 8,. Switch 8, additionally includes a resilient leaf 136 which is supported along with leaf 134 from an insulative base 138 fixed to base member 20. Accordingly, the contacts 134 and 136 of switch S, are opened in correspondence with the initial movement of component 40 from its position 40'. As reflex component 40 somewhat closely approaches its seated position at 40", tab 132 contacts leaf 140 of another switch depicted generally at 8 Leaf 140 is normally in contact with leaf 142 and is supported along with contact 142 from an insulative base 144 also fixed to base member 20. It may be noted, therefore, that the contacts of switch 5;, are opened when reflex component 40 approaches its seated position 40".

Looking again to FIG. 2, another switch identified generally as S is shown positioned within exposure housing 14 so as to be actuated in response to the attainment by blades 60 and 62 of a fully closed position. Switch S is formed having resilient leaves 146 and 148 which are supported from an insulative base 150. The switch is so positioned such that when walking beam 74 is rotated to close blades 60 and 62, an insulative ring 152 positioned upon pin 82 urges leaf 146 into contact with leaf 148.

Returning to FIG. 1, when reflex component 40 reaches position 40 exposure mode performance ensues with the de-energization of solenoid to release walking beam 74 for rotation under the bias of spring 86. As walking beam 74 rotates and a progressively enlarging aperture opening is defined by blades 60 and 62, the optical path of camera 10 is re-oriented to extend from taking lens 52 through exposure mechanism 54, thence to a mirror 42 positioned on the downward facing side of component 40, thence to the exposure plane and uppermost film unit 3. An exposure is terminated with the re-energization of solenoid 100 to block the optical path, which energization continues until camera 10 has re-assumed its viewing-focusing mode orientation.

With exposure chamber 30 secured by the closure of blades 60 and 62, motor is re-energized to drive gear train 124, thereby rotating cam 126. As cam 126 is rotated, contact is re-asserted with follower 128 to drive ram 122 rearwardly and cock reflex component 40 into its viewing mode position 40'. Simultaneously with this cocking activity, a second reduction circuit within gear train 124 functions to drive the uppermost one of a pair of processing rolls and 162. Connection between the upper processing roll 160 and gear train 124 is made at a drive pinion 164. During a cocking procedure, a pick mechanism (not shown) urges uppermost film unit 38 from its position within cassette 32 through an egress slot 44 and into the bit or point of contact between rolls 160 and 162. Described in detail in a U. S. Pat. by E. H. Land, No. 3,415,646, entitled, Novel Photographic Products and Processes," film units as at 38 are structured to contain a processing fluid which is spread therewithin to cause the formation of a visible positive image. At the termination of the above-described cocking and processing functions, the control system of camera 10 is automatically shut down to terminate the photographic cycle.

Turningto FIG. 3, the control events carried out by the instrumentalities of camera are identified in block diagrammatic fashion. Prior to starting a photographic cycle, the components of camera 10 assume viewing-focusing mode orientations in which exposure mechanism blades 60 and 62 locate openings 64 and 66 toestablish an aperture of maximum available size, as provided by a de-energization of solenoid 100. 'Additionally, the exposure plane of camera 10 at 38 is secured as a consequence of reflex component 40 being latched at position 40. This initial status is revealed at blocks I70 and 172.

Once a scene is appropriately framed and focused, start button 12 is momentarily depressed to close a switch and energize solenoid 100. As solenoid 100 is energized, walking beam 74 is rotated against the bias of spring 86 to block the optical path. This event is depicted at block 174.

When exposure chamber is secured by the optical path, motor 120 is initially energized to release reflex component for movement from position 40' into po sition .40". This activity is depicted at block 176'.

Following a period of time adequate for component 40 to reach position 40' as depicted at delay block 178, an exposure is commenced with the deenergization of solenoid 100 to release blades and 62, thereby permitting openings 64 and 66 to define progressively enlarging apertures. This exposure activity is depicted at block 180. Note additionally, that the exposure mode performance of the camera commences following delay 178. The light sensing network of the camera provides a signal when an appropriate aperture is defined by blades 60 and 62, which signal causes the re-energization of solenoid to terminate an exposure by closing blades 60 and 62. This exposure tennination is depicted at block 182. Note that the exposure mode of the camera terminates at this point and processing as shown at 184 as well as cocking activity ensues at 186.

When processing and cocking is completed, the control system of camera 10 is shut down, solenoid 100 is de-energized and blades 60 and 62 reassume' their viewing-focusing mode positions. The latter deenergization of solenoid 100 is depicted at block I88.

While the above cataloged operational events of a photographic cycle are carried out, the control arrangement of the invention provides for an automatic commitment to completion of that cycle following a momentary depression of start button 12. The invention further provides for a period wherein the operator may optionally abort the photographic cycle. Preferably, this optional portion of the cycle terminates with the initial closure blades 60 and-62. This optional portion of the cycle is labled in FIG. 3. With the latching arrangement, automatic shutdown at the termination of a given photographic cycle is facilitated with the deactivation of the latching feature. This de-activation also is labeled in the figure as commencing with the final de-energization of solenoid 100 to open the exposure mechanism blades 60 and 62.

Referring to FIG. 4, a control circuit for operating camera in accordance with the above-described program is depicted. As noted earlier, a photographic cycle is commenced with the depression of start button 12. This depression serves to close a switch designated S in the figure. Switch 8, is normally biased towards an open circuit condition. Closure of switch S, activates a primary power line 200. Line 200 is connected with the positive side of a battery 202. The opposite side of battery 202 is connected through line 204 to ground.

When activated, line 200 serves to energize a latching function indicated generally at 206. Upon being energized, latching function 206 assumes a first energization state providing an operator option for energizing the remainder of the control circuit through an auxiliary power line system. The first energization state is es tablished through the interaction of two PNP pass transistors Q and Q which selectively operate to regulate the conductive status of a gate controlled thyristor device having a latching characteristic, such as a silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) as at 208.

During the noted first energization state, both transistors Q1 and Q are mutually forwardly biased. For instance, when switch S is closed, primary power line 200 is connected with line 238 which, in turn, is connected through level setting resistors 240 and 242 to ground. Resistors 240 and 242 provide a voltage level adjustment to establish a biasing potential and resulting gating current into the gate at line 236 of SCR 208. Thus gated, SCR 208 is rendered conductive. The cathode of SCR 208 is connected by a line 226 through level setting resistor 228 to ground, while its anode is coupled by line 244 through a diode 246 to the baseof transistor Q The emitter of transistor O is coupled along lines 230 and 230 to primary line 200, while its collector is connected along line 223 to auxiliary power line 234 from line 223. Thus connected, a conducting SCR 208 draws anode current through the emitter-base junction of Q diode 246 and line 244. This current also serves to saturate transistor Q Thus saturated, transistor Q effectively connects lines 222, 223, and 234 to primary power line 200, and, additionally, completes a signal path into a pass line 222. Pass line 222 is connected between line 223 and the emitter of transistor 0,, while the collector thereof is connected by pass line 224 to line 226 located on the cathode side of SCR 208. Transistor O is now turned on by current flowing from line 220 through its base-emitter junction, thence to ground through a network including line 210, diode 212, bias resistor 214, line 210, line 216, line 218, line 220 and a closed switch 5,. Switch S corresponds with that described in connection with FIG. 1, the switch remaining closed until reflex component 40 moves initially from its position 40 prime. When transistor O is forwardly biased, conduction is permitted through pass lines 222 and 224. In effect, pass lines 223 and 224 can be considered to connect transistor Or in parallel with line 244 containing SCR 208.

In view of the noted pass line activity, SCR 208, while remaining gated, conducts under a potential drop and biasing current flow of insufficient levels to permit it to latch" or maintain conduction once gated. The nonsustaining, low-base current flow from transistor Q through line 244 as well as the insufficient potential drop across SCR 208 being occasioned, as noted, by the forward biasing of transistor 0, and consequent activation of pass lines 222 and 224. Diode 246 is present in line 244 to assure that the voltage drop across SCR 208 is such as to maintain its unl'atched condition during the noted first energization state.

The energization .of auxiliary power line 234, in turn, energizes branch power line 250, also energizing branch power line 252. Branch power lines 250 and 252, when so energized, establish the initial conditions at the input and output terminals of the components on the control circuit assuring the commencement of a photographic cycle. These initial inputs and outputs for multi-function gates A, B and C are depicted in Boolean enumeration in FIG. at event No. 1. For purposes of understanding the tabulations of H6. 5, as well as to facilitate the description to follow, when the inputs or outputs of such components are at ground reference potential, they are referred to as low, and/or such output is digitally indicated as 0. Conversely, when these inputs and outputs assume or approach the voltage status of power line 200, they are referred to as being high and are given the binary designation 1." Further, the operational events as tabulated and numbered in FIG. 5 are again identified by the same numeration in FlG. 6 wherein the open and closed status of switches S, through S, of the circuit as well as the energization status of various components thereof are shown in comparative time scale fashion. It may be noted further, that certain of thegate input terminals receive common signals. These common terminals are identified by letters a-d. Additionally, the outputs of multifunction GATES A, B and C are identified respectively as 1,, t and t Energization of branch power line 250 at the commencement of a photographic cycle serves to establish those input conditions shown as event No. l of FIG. 5 at the input terminals of multi-function power GATES A and B. These input conditions are derived both from the positions of the switches within the circuit as well as from the output of a light sensitive exposure control network depicted generally at 260. More particularly, the c gate input terminals ofGATES A and B are low" and are derived respectively from lines 262 and 264. Line 264 is coupled through line 266 to the output of a Schmitt trigger 268. Schmitt trigger 268 may be of a conventional design, having a normally non-conductive input stage and a normally conductive output stage. Energized from branch power line 252 through line 270 and coupled to ground through line 272, the output at 266 of Schmitt trigger 268 remains low" until a signal is received at its input 274 which is at least equal to predetermined reference level. Upon receipt of such signal, the output at line 266 assumes a high" status. Accordingly, common gate input c remains low" pending-the triggering of Schmitt trigger 268.

Gate input terminal b of GATE A exhibits a low state by virtue of its connection through line 276 and resistor 277 to ground. Additionally, this status is permitted as a result of its connection through lines 278 and 280 to switch 8,, the switch remaining open until such time as blades 60 and 62 of exposure mechanism 54 are fully closed.

Common gate input terminals a of GATES A and B are initially low as a result of their connection from along lines 282 and 284 to the output of another Schmitt trigger 286. Schmitt trigger 286 is energized through line 228 from branch power line 250 and is coupled to ground through line 290. Similar to Schmitt trigger 268, the output of Schmitt trigger 286 is normally low" and will assume a high" status in response to the receipt at its input 292 of a signal above a predetermined triggering or threshold level. The status of input 292 is regulated by an exposure control signal generated at network 260.

The resultant initial output I, of GATE A which is present at line 294 is high and is imposed upon the base of an NPN transistor 0;. The emitter of transistor 0;, is coupled along line 296 to ground, while its collector is connected to line 298. Line 298, in turn, connects the excitation winding 300 of solenoid to primary power line 200. Solenoid 200 is designated functionally in FIG. 4 by a dashed boundary. The high status at line 294 serves to forward bias the base-emitter junction of transistor Q thereby energizing winding 300 to cause exposure mechanism 54 to block the optical path of camera 10. The output 1 of GATE B is low" at the commencement of a photographic cycle and is coupled through a current limiting resistor 302 and line 304 to line 298. GATE B serves a powering down function wherein solenoid 100 is energized at a lower current level when the plunger thereof is in its fully retracted position. To carry this out, GATE B diverts solenoid energizing current through limiting resistor 302. When transistor 0;; is forward biased, however, this diversion through resistor 302 is insignificant- The powering down feature of the control system is described and claimed in a copending application for United States Patent by C. H. Biber and E. K. Shenk entitled, Photographic Apparatus with Solenoid Powered Instrumentalities, Ser. No. 163,948, filed July 19, 1971, and assigned in common herewith.

Solenoid 100 being energized, blades 60 and 62 are driven to their fully closed position and when this position is reached, contacts 146 and 148 of switch S, are closed (FIG. 2). The closure of switch S alters the b gate input terminal states at line 278 from a low to a high," however, the output at t, remains high." This alteration, however, does change the output 1 of GATE C. During the first event of a photographic cycle, the output I at line 310 of GATE C is high. This high output is established as a result of a low" present at line 312 and introduced to input terminal a. Line 312 is connected to line 282, the latter providing a common coupling of the corresponding inputs of GATES A and B. Gate input terminal d remains low in consequence of its connection through lines 218, 220

and closed switch S, to ground. lnput terminal b, being coupled to line 280 and switch S alters from a low" state to a high" state upon the closure of switch S The resultant low output of GATE C, when introduced through line 310, signals a motor control function 314 to energize motor 120. Control function 314 is energized from primary power line 200 through line 316 and is coupled to ground through line 318. The resultant energization of motor drives phase control cam 126 from gear train 124 to effect the release or unlatching of reflex component 40 for movement from its viewing-focusing position 40 (FIG. 1). When reflex component 40 begins to rise from position 40, tab 132 of ram 122 is released from contact with leaf 134 of switch 8,, switch S, opens.

As disclosed as event No. 3 in FIGS. 5 and 6, the opening of switch S, alters the status of input terminal d of GATE C to a high condition and the resultant output of the gate becomes high. A high status at line 310 serves to signal motor control function 314 to de-energize motor 120.

Inasmuch as component 40 is uncovering the expo sure plane of the camera during its upward movement, latching function 206 now operates to commit the control system of the camera 10 to completion of a photo- 13 graphic cycle. As noted earlier, the baseof transistor Q, is coupled from along lines 210, 216, 218 and 220 to switch 8,. When switch 5., opens, transistor 0, draws insufficient base current to maintain a-forwardly biased condition. This state of transistor Q, isolates pass lines 222 and 224 and as a consequence, adequate sustaining current as well as sustaining voltage is presented across SCR 208. SCR 208 then latches to provide continuous conduction in the absence of a gating input from line 236. As SCR 208 conducts, transistor Q is held in a forward biased condition, auxiliary voltage line 234 being energized from line 223. This latched conditoon of SCR 208 and transistor represents a second energization state of latching function 206.

During the second energization state of latching function 206, line 320 including diode 322 and connecting lines 232 and 210 serve to assure the maintenance of a reverse biased condition at transistor 0,.

As a reflex component 40 closely approaches its exposure mode position at 4 switch S connected within line 328 between line 252 and ground, is opened in consequence of the movement of ram 122. Represented as event No. 4 in F IGS. 5 and 6, the opening of switch 8;, serves to activate an R-C timing network identified generally at 330. Formed of a timing resistor 332 and a timing capacitor 334 coupled within line 336 between ground and branch power line 252, network 330 serves to impose a delay to the commencement of exposure regulation. This delay is selected having a time constant sufficientto permit reflex component 40 to fully seat at its position 40". Network 330 is activated upon removal of a shunt about capacitor 334 which is constituted by a line 338 and diode 340 and connected from a point intermediate capacitor 334 and resistor 332 to ground through a diode 340 and switch S Diode 340 serves to isolate line 338 from spurious signals and the like. Similarly, a diode 342 connected at line 328 above switch 8 isolates line 252 from spurious signals.

Following an appropriate time-out of network 330, a threshold signal is developed at input 274 of g the Schmitt trigger 268, thereby triggering it to alterits output atline 266 to a high status. This high status is introduced to line 264 to simultaneously alter the state of all common gate inputs c to a high or 1 status. Such alteration changes the output I, of GATE B to a high" status, thereby abruptly terminating current flow in line 298 and He-energizing winding 300 of solenoid 100. With this de-energization, blades 60 and 62 of exposure mechanism 54 commence to open under the force of spring 86.

Simultaneously with the de-energization of winding 300, a signal is imposed from line 264 through an inverter 348 to trigger an electronic switch shown generally at 350. When so triggered, switch 350 removes a shunt established by lines 352 and 354 across a timing capacitor 356. The removal of this shunt activates light sensitive network 260.

Network 260 includes a photoroltaic cell 358 positioned within camera it) behind openings 68 and 70 of exposure mechanism 54 and connected with the input of an operational, differential type amplifier 360 by lines 362 and 364. Timing capacitor 356 is coupled within a feedback path between the output 366 of ampliiier 360 and its input at line 362.

Described in greater detail in a copending application for United States Patent by .l. P. Burgarella. entitled, Automatic Exposure Control System with Fast Linear Response, Ser. No. 783,855 (now US. Pat. No. 3,620,143), filed Dec. 16, 1968 and assigned in common herewith, the output of this light sensing arrangement at line 366 represents an integrated valuation of scene lighting as witnessed at the optical path of camera 10. This output is varied in accordance with the sensitometric properties of film being exposed by a second amplification stage 368 operating in conjunction with gain adjusting variable resistor 370 and calibrating resistor 372, the latter being positioned within a feedback path line 374. The noted film speed and calibration adjustment of the output at line 366 is described in greater detail and claimed in a copending application for United States Patent by J. P. Burgarella, entitled, Exposure Control System, Ser. No. 837,688 (now US. Pat. No. 3,641,891), filed June 30, 1969, and assigned in common herewith.

The adjusted output from network 260 is presented along line 292 to Schmitt trigger 286. When the signal value at line 292 reaches the threshold or trigger level of Schmitt trigger 286, the output thereof at line 284 converts from a low to a high state. This conversion is represented in FIGS. 5 and 6 as operational event No. 6. As displayed in those figures, the resultant high" output at line 284 alters the status of common gate input terminal a to a corresponding high status. The resultant outputs of GATES A and B are converted. For instance, output I of GATE A is changed to a high status and output of GATE B is changed to a low status. A high output at line 294 forward biases the base-emitter junction of transistor Q3 thereby energizing solenoid winding 300 from line 298, in turn, causing solenoid to block the optical path of camera 11) by closing blades 60 and 62. This action terminates an exposure interval.

As blades 60 and 62 are closed, switch S closes to alter the status of input terminals b at GATES A and C from high" to a low states. As depicted by event No. 7 in FIGS. 5 and 6, the latter input alteration changes the output 1 of GATE C to a low status, thereby activating motor control function 314 to, in turn, energize motor 120. Thus energized, motor rotates cycle phase cam 126 to drive ram 122 rearwardly, thereby cocking or returning reflex component 40 to position 40'. Simultaneously, an exposed film unit 38 is processed through rotating process rolls and 162.

As reflex component 40 is driven from position 40",

switch S is closed, thereby reactivating the shunt imposed by line 338 about timing capacitor 334. The output of Scmitt trigger 268 returns to a low status to, in turn, change the state of common gate input terminals c to a low" status. As in the earlier energization of solenoid 100, the latter gate input alteration changes output t, of GATE A to a low" status, thereby reverse biasing transistor Q The earlier described power down function performed by GATE B continues the energization of winding 300 at a lower current level.

When reflex component 40 is seated in its viewingfocusing position at 40', tab 132 of ram 122 recloses switch S, by urging leaf 134 into contact with leaf 136. This action changes the condition of gate input terminal d from a high to a low status to, in turn, change output t at line 310 to a high" status, thereby deenergizing motor control function 314 to stop motor 121).

The final closing of switch S, also reasserts forward bias at transistor Q, of latching function 206. This is carried out, as before, by bringing line 210, coupled to the base of transistor Q, to ground level as a result of its connection with switch S through lines 216, 218 and 220. When transistor O is drawn into conduction, the pass function of lines 222, 223, and 224 is reasserted and the voltage drop across SCR 208 is diminished below its sustaining level. Inasmuch as no gating current is supplied from switch S the components of latching function 206 as well as the entire circuit are de-energized for shutdown. It may be noted that at shutdown, latching function 206 reassumes its first energization state.

Should switch 8, be held in a closed circuit condition throughout a photographic cycle, latching function 206 will remain in its first energization state and the control circuit will progress through an entire photographic cycle without assuming a second energization or latched state. Should switch 5 be held in its closed circuit position before and following the termination of a photographic cycle, latching function 206 will remain in the noted first energization state, however, the control circuit will not permit camera to progress through a next succeeding photographic cycle. Referring to FIG. 5, note that at the event No. 9 closure of switch 5,, the gate input states to motor control GATE C.are different than the corresponding inputs for event No. 1 at the commencements of a photographic cycle. In particular, the output 284 of Schmitt trigger 286 remains high," thereby holding gate input terminal a at a high status. With such status of input terminal a at GATE C, the output i of GATE C remains high" and motor control function 314 is incapable of energizing motor 120. Without such energization, reflex component cannot move from its viewing-focusing position at 40' and switch 8, cannot be opened. While blades 60 and 62 of exposure mechanism 54 remain closed as long as switch S is held down, camera 10 will not progress through a next succeeding photograhic cycle. Upon release of switch S to an open circuit condition and consequentde-energization of the control circuit, the input terminal condition to the gating functions are re-alig ned to permit the generation of a next succeeding photographic cycle.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the novel long cable remote control of the subject invention is illustratedgenerally at 380 and is seen to include an actuator assembly 382 which is connected via a long cable 384 and a plug assembly 386, which plugs into a receptacle (not showniin the forward control housing 14 to make electrical contact with a pair of connections 387 (FIG. 4), in parallel with the switch 8, in a manner well-known in the art.

The actuator assembly 382 is seen to comprise upper and lower housing portions 388 and 390, respectively, which are secured together so as to be rotatable relative to one another in a well-known manner. The lower housing portion 390 is received partially within a skirt portion 409 which is of cylindrical shape and depends from the upper housing portion 388. As best seen in FIGS. 8 and 9, a spool 391 is formed integrally with the lower housing portion 390 and extends upward within the assembly 382. The spool 391 is provided wtih a cylindrical center portion 392 which extends to upper and lower rim portions 393 and 394, respectively. The upper housing portion 388 of the actuator assembly 382 is provided with a generally cylindrical aperture 396 which extends therethrough to a generally open space 398 defined by the upper and lower housing portions 388 and 390 and the cylindrical center portion 392 of the spool 391.

As best seen in FIGS. 8 and 9, a pair of electrical contacts 399 and 400 are secured to the inner face of the cylindrical center portion 392 in diametrally opposed relation within the chamber 398.

A pair of guide members 402 (only one of which is shown) extend upwardly from the lower housing portion 390 within the chamber 398. Each of the pair of guide members 402 includes a cylindrical bore 404 which extends longitudinally therewithin and cooperates with a remote actuator button 406, to be described in more detail, infra.

Looking again to FIG. 1, it is seen that the upper housing portion 388 is provided with a skirt portion 409, as aforesaid, which includes an aperture 410 through which the long cable 384 extends into the actuator assembly 382 over the spool 391. As best seen in FIG. 8 and 9, the cable 384 includes a pair of electrical conductors 411 and 412 which are connected at one end portion to the electrical contacts 399 and 400, respectively, and at their other end portions to the plug assembly 386. The electrical conductors 411 and 412 are so connected within the plug assembly 386 that when said plug assembly 386 is connected or plugged into the exposure housing 14, electrical contact will be established between the electrical conductors 411 and 412 and the pair of connections 387 in parallel with the switch S As mentioned hereinabove, the upper housing portion 388 is rotatable with respect to the lower housing portion 390 whereupon relative rotation between the upper housing portion 388 and the lower housing portion 390 will cause the conductor 384 to be wound about the spool 391 to provide a compact, readily storable assembly. As best seen in FIG. 7, the remote actuator button 406 includes a pair of depending cylindrical guide pins 414 and 416 and a depending spindle 418.

The depending spindle 418 includes a generally square upper portion 420 which extends to a necked-down cylindrical lower portion 422. A pair of notches 424 are provided on opposed faces of the square upper portion 420 of the depending spindle 418 and their function will be more apparent, infra.

As best seen in FIG. 7, an electrically conductive over-center spring 426 such as is commonly used in switch model 1TBl-3, manufactured by Micro Switch of Freeport, Illinois, a division of Honeywell, Inc., is seen to include inwardly extending center portions 427 and 428 and opposite end portions 429 and 430, respectively. A pair of generally hemispherical-shape contacts 431 are secured to the upper faces of the opposite end portions 429 and 430, respectively, in a wellknown manner. The-center portions 427 and 428 of the over-center spring 426 are resilient and the spring 426 is secured to the depending spindle 418 by inserting the end portions of the inwardly extending center portins 427 and 428 into the notches 424 whereupon the spring forces engendered by separating the center portions 427 and 428 will secure said spring 426 to said center spindle 418 such that said spring 426 extends transversely between the cylindrical guide pins 414 and 416. A piston assembly 432 comprising an upper cylindrical washer 433, a cylindrical sealing member 434,

' 1'7 and a lower cylindrical washer 435, each including a centrally located aperture 436, 437, and 439, respectively, is secured to the cylindrical lower portion 422 of the depending spindle 418 in a well-known manner such that the lower cylindrical portion 422 extends through the apertures 436, 437, and 439 to assure the coaxial placement of the cylindrical washer 433, the sealing member 434, and the cylindrical washer 435, respectively. The sealing member 434 includes a generally planar cylindrical center portion 440 having an upwardly extending skirt or rim portion 441 disposed about its periphery such that the cylindrical washer 433 may abut the center portion 440 of the sealing member 434 and be received within the boundary defined by the skirt portion 441. The cylindrical washer 435 is of a larger diameter than the washer 433 and is configured to abut the lower face of the center portion 440 of the sealing member 434 and extend part way over the bottom face of the skirt 441. The sealinjg member 434 is formed of a suitable material such as silicon rubber and is sandwiched between the washers 433 and 435, which are formed of relatively stiff material (such as steel) and function to provide structural rigidity to the piston assembly 432 by causing the cylindrical center portion 440 of the sealing member 434 to remain relatively planar.

As best seen in FIGS. 7, 8, and 9, the remote actuator button 406 includes a plurality of equi-annularly spaced skirt portions 442 depending therefrom and disposed about the periphery thereof. The plurality of skirt portions 442 extend to lip portions 444 which are adapted to abut against the inner face of the upper housing portion 388, adjacent the cylindrical aperture 396, so as to. retain the remote actuator button 406 within the actuator assembly 382. As best seen in FIGS. 8 and 9, the lower housing portion 390 is configured to define a centrally located, upwardly extending cylinder 445 which extends into the open space 398 within the assembly 382. The cylinder 445 is configured to define a centrally located cylindrical opening 447 having a closed bottom wall 448 and which is adapted to receive the piston assembly 432. A coil spring 450 isdisposed within the cylindrical opening 447 and functions to urge the piston assembly 432 upwardly thereby urging the lip portions444 of the remote actuator button 406 into engagement with the inner face of the upper housing portion 388, as aforesaid.

It should be emphasized at this point that the coil spring 450 and the piston assembly 432 are coaxially disposed within the cylindrical opening 447 such that the remote actuator button 406 and the depending spindle 418 may move with the piston assembly 432 along the axis of the cylindrical opening 447.

As best seen in FIG. 8, prior to the depression of the remote actuator button 406, the piston assembly 432 is disposed in the uppermost portion of the cylindrical opening 447 and the upwardly extending skirt portion 441 of the sealing member 434 is in engagement with the inner wall of the cylinder 445. At this time, the over-center spring 426 will be in such a position that the contacts 431 will be disengaged from the electrical contacts 400 and 399, and will rest against a pair of shelf members 452 and 454, respectively, defined by a pair of structural support members 456 and 458, respectively. The structural support members 456 and 458 are integral with the lower housing portion 390 and a 18 extend inwardly from the cylindrical center portion 392 of the spool 391 within the open space 398.

Upon depression of the remote actuator button 406, the piston assembly 432 will 'be urged downwardly within the cylindrical opening 477 against the bias of the coil spring 450. Downward movement of the piston assembly 432 within the cylindrical opening 447 will compress the air withinthe cylindrical opening 447 which, in turn, will create a force on the skirt portion 441 of the sealing member 434 tending to disengage said skirt portion 441 from the inner wall of the cylinder 445, thereby permitting the air compressed within the cylindrical opening 447 to escape past the sealing member 434. Just prior to the piston 432 bottoming out in the cylindrical opening 447, as illustrated in F IG. 9, an audible click will be heard as the end portions 429 and 430 of the over-center spring 426 move upwardly over center to the position shown in FIG. 9. As best seen in FIG. 9, when the remote actuator button 406 has been depressed sufficiently to cause the piston assembly 432 to bottom in the cylindrical opening 447, the over-center movement of the end portions 429 and 430, respectively, of the over-center spring 426- will cause the hemispherical-shape contacts 431 to engage the electrical contacts 399 and 400. As mentioned hereinabove, the over-center spring 426 is electrically conductive and when the plug assembly 386 (FIG. 1) is inserted into the housing 14 so as to connect one end portion of the electrical conductors 411 and 412 to the pair of connections 387 (FIG. 4), the connection of the contacts 431 to the contacts 399 and 400 will establish a conductive path between the pair of connections 388, thereby shunting the switch S and initiating a phot0- graphic cycle in the same manner as if the switch S, had been actuated.

- Upon release of the remote actuator button 406, the coil spring 450 will urge the piston assembly 432 upwardly within the cylindrical opening 447 against the ambient air pressure within the actuator assembly 382, which, it will be recalled, is now greater than that within the cylindrical opening 447 due to the expression of the air within said opening 447 due to the depression of said remote actuator button 406. The piston assembly 432 will move upward at a rate determined by the spring constant of the coil spring 450, the surface area of the piston assembly 432, the depth of the cylindrical opening 447, the rate at which air is able to leak past the sealing member 434 into said cylindrical open ing 447, and various frictional effects;

It should be noted at this point that the cylinder 445 is of precisely predetermined length (as, of course, is

the depth of the cylindrical opening 447) and the parameters of the coil spring 450 and piston assembly 432 are so chosen that the piston assembly 432 will move upwardly within the cylindrical opening 447 at a predetermined rate upon release of the remote actuator button 406. When the piston assembly 432 has reached the upper portion of the cylindrical opening 447 (as best seen in FIG. 8), the end portions 452 and 454 of the over-center spring 426 will move downward to disconnect the hemispherical-shape contacts 431 from the electrical contacts 400 and 399 to open-circuit the connections 388 (analogous to opening the switch 8,). Thus, it can be seen that the switch S, will be shunted for a predetermined time interval following depression of the remote actuator button 406 of the actuator assembly 382. It should be emphasized that the period of 19 time that the switch S, is shunted is precisely predetermined such that the time period within which the photographic cycle can be manually aborted is exceeded. Thus, a user operating the photographic camera will always be assured of successfully initiating a photographic cycle upon actuating the remote button 406 of the actuator assembly 382 and long cable remote control 380 irrespective of the fact that he may be too far from the photographic camera 10 to be provided with the usual audible indications that the photographic camera 10 has commenced a non-abortive photographic cycle. Also, it should be noted, as previously described, that the actuator button 406 will automatically return to its initial position ready for the satisfactory commencement of another non-abortive photographic cycle.

It can readily be seen that many other variations and modifications of the present invention are possible in the light of the aforementioned teachings, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes in form and in arrangement of components may be made to suit requirements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is, therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the instant invention may be practised in a manner otherwise than is specifically described herein.

What is claimed is:

l. A remote actuator for use with a photographic camera of the type having first electrical switch means for initiating a photographic cycle and first plural electrical contacts connected within said camera in parallel with said switch means, including:

second switch means remote from said camera for serially opening and closing electrical contacts; pneumatic means connected to said second switch means for delaying the opening of said second switch means for a predetermined interval; second plural electrical contacts connected to said second switch means; and

cable means'connected to said second plural electrical contacts for serially connecting said first and second plural electrical contacts, whereby said second switch means may serially close and open said first contacts.

2. The invention as recited in claim 1, further including cylinder means and piston means movably disposed within said cylinder means and connected to said second switch means, whereby movement of said piston means within said cylinder means from an initial position to a second position will effect the electrical closing of said first plural contacts via said second plural contacts for said predetermined time interval, when said first and second plural electrical contacts are serially connected by said cable means.

3. The invention as delineated in claim 2, further including spring means disposed within said cylinder means beneath said piston means for urging said piston means from said second position to said initial position.

'4. The invention as set out in claim 3, wherein movement of said piston means from said second position to said initial position will'effect the open circuiting of said first plural contacts via said second plural contacts, when said first and second plural contacts are serially connected.

5. The invention of claim 4, wherein said predetermined time interval is a function of the travel time of 20 said piston means from said second position to said initial position.

6. The invention in conformance with claim 5, wherein said second switch means includes an overcenter conductive spring having a pair of contacts disposed on one surface thereof adapted to engage said second plural contacts when said piston means is in said initial position.

7. The invention according to claim 6, wherein said piston means comprises generally planar sealer means having an upwardly extending cylindrical rim portion adapted to resiliently contact the walls of said cylinder means whilst permitting air to escape from said cylinder means as said piston means approaches said second position and to permit air to enter said cylinder means at a predetermined rate as said piston means approaches said initial position.

8. The invention as set out in claim 7, wherein said second switch means includes an actuator button having a depending spindle adapted to engage said overcenter spring and connected to said piston means.

9. The invention of claim 8, further including a housing and spool means disposed at least partially within said housing and adapted to store said conductive cable within said housing.

10. The invention according to claim 9, wherein said housing comprises an upper portion having an aperture and a lower portion rotatably received at least partially within said upper portion, said cable extending into said housing through said aperture such that relative rotation of said upper and lower portions will wind said cable about said spool.

1]. ln combinationwith photographic apparatus having a control system actuable to serially perform operational events in a predetermined order from first to last defining a photographic cycle and first switch means for actuating said control system; means for bypassing said switch means and actuating said control system from a location remote from said photographic apparatus, including:

first plural electrical contacts fixed to said photo graphic apparatus and connected in electrical parallelism with said first switch means; a rotatable housing; a spool disposed within said housing for rotational movement therebetween; second plural electrical contacts fixedly disposed within said housing; an electrically conductive cable at least partially disposed within said housing and connected at one end to said second contacts and connectable at its other end to said first contacts; second switch means disposed within said housing for opening and closing said second contacts and shunting said first contacts when said cable is connected to said first contacts; cylinder means disposed within said housing; and piston means movably disposed within said cylinder means and connected to said second switch means whereby movement of said piston means within said cylinder means from an initial position to a second position will close said second contacts. 12. The invention as described in claim 11, further including:

means for returning said piston means to said initial position; and

means for controlling therate at which-said piston means returns to said initial position to thereby insure that said second contacts remain closed for a predetermined time interval. Y I

13. The invention pursuant to claim 12, further including spring means disposed within said cylinder means beneath said piston means for urging said piston means from said second position to said initial position.

14. The invention as set forth in claim ll, further including means for winding said cable about said spool in response to relative rotation of said housing and said spool whereby said cable may be stored within said housing. v

IlS. The invention as described in claim 14, further including:

means for returning said piston means to said initial position; and

means for controlling the rate at which said piston means returns to said initial position to thereby insure that said second contacts remain closed for a predetermined time interval.

16. Apparatus for use with a photographic device of the type having a control system actuable to serially perform operational events defining a photographic cycle and first switch means for actuating said control system; said apparatus functioning to bypass said switch means and actuate said control system from a location remote from said photographic device, including:'

first plural electrical contacts fixed to said photographic device and connected in electrical parallelism with said first switch means;

a rotatable housing;

a spool disposed within said housing for rotational movement therebetween; second plural electrical contacts fixedly disposed within said housing;

an electrically conductive cable at least partially disposed within said housing and connected at one end to said second contacts and connectable at its other end to said first contacts;

second switch means disposed within said housing for opening and closing said second contacts and shunting said first contacts when said cable is connected to said first contacts;

cylinder means disposed within said housing; and

piston means movably disposed within said cylinder means and connected to said second switch means whereby movement of said piston means within said cylinder means from an initial position to a second position will close said second contacts.

17. The invention as described in claim 16, further including:

means for returning said piston means to said initial position; and

means for controlling the rate at which said piston means returns to said initial position to thereby insure that said second contacts remain closed for a predetermined time interval.

18. The invention as set forth in claim 16, further including means for winding said cable about said spool in response to rotation of said housing whereby said cable may be stored within said housing.

19. The invention as described in claim 18, further including:

means for returning said piston means to said initial position; and

means for controlling the rate at which said piston means returns to said initial position to thereby insure that said second contacts remain closed for a predetermined time interval. 

1. A remote actuator for use with a photographic camera of the type having first electrical switch means for initiating a photographic cycle and first plural electrical contacts connected within said camera in parallel with said switch means, including: second switch means remote from said camera for serially opening and closing electrical contacts; pneumatic means connected to said second switch means for delaying the opening of said second switch means for a predetermined interval; second plural electrical contacts connected to said second switch means; and cable means connected to said second plural electrical contacts for serially connecting said first and second plural electrical contacts, whereby said second switch means may serially close and open said first contacts.
 2. The invention as recited in claim 1, further including cylinder means and piston means movably disposed within said cylinder means and connected to said second switch means, whereby movement of said piston means within said cylinder means from an initial position to a second position will effect the electrical closing of said first plural contacts via said second plural contacts for said predetermined time interval, when said first and second plural electrical contacts are serially connected by said cable means.
 3. The invention as delineated in claim 2, further including spring means disposed within said cylinder means beneath said piston means for urging said piston means from said second position to said initial position.
 4. The invention as set out in claim 3, wherein movement of said piston means from said second position to said initial position will effect the open circuiting of said first plural contacts via said second plural contacts, when said first and second plural contacts are serially connected.
 5. The invention of claim 4, wherein said predetermined time interval is a function of the travel time of said piston means from said second position to said initial position.
 6. The invention in conformance with claim 5, wherein said second switch means includes an over-center conductive spring having a pair of contacts disposed on one surface thereof adapted to engage said second plural contacts when said piston means is in said initial position.
 7. The invention according to claim 6, wherein said piston means comprises generally planar sealer means having an upwardly extending cylindrical rim portion adapted to resiliently contact the walls of said cylinder means whilst permitting air to escape from said cylinder means as said piston means approaches said second position and to permit air to enter said cylinder means at a predetermined rate as said piston means approaches said initial position.
 8. The invention as set out in claim 7, wherein said second switch means includes an actuator button having a depending spindle adapted to engage said over-center spring and connected to said piston means.
 9. The invention of claim 8, further including a housing and spool means disposed at least partially within said housing and adapted to store said conductive cable within said housing.
 10. The invention according to claim 9, wherein said housing comprises an upper portion having an aperture and a lower portion rotatably received at least partially within said upper portion, said cable extending into said housing through said aperture such that relative rotation of said upper and lower portions will wind said cable about said spool.
 11. In combination with photographic apparatus having a control system actuable to serially perform operational events in a predetermined order from first to last defining a photographic cycle and first switch means for actuating said control system; means for bypassing said switch means and actuating said control system from a location remote from said photographic apparatus, including: first plural electrical contacts fixed to said photographic apparatus and connected in electrical parallelism with said first switch means; a rotatable housing; a spool disposed within said housing for rotational movement therebetween; second plural electrical contacts fixedly disposed within said housing; an electrically conductive cable at least partially disposed within said housing and connected at one end to said second contacts and connectable at its other end to said first contacts; second switch means disposed within said housing for opening and closing said second contacts and shunting said first contacts when said cable is connected to said first contacts; cylinder means disposed within said housing; and piston means movably disposed within said cylinder means and connected to said second switch means whereby movement of said piston means within said cylinder means from an initial position to a second position will close said second contacts.
 12. The invention as described in claim 11, further including: means for returning said piston means to said initial position; and means for controlling the rate at which said piston means returns to said initial position to thereby insure that said second contacts remain closed for a predetermined time interval.
 13. The invention pursuant to claim 12, further including spring means disposed within said cylinder means beneath said pistoN means for urging said piston means from said second position to said initial position.
 14. The invention as set forth in claim 11, further including means for winding said cable about said spool in response to relative rotation of said housing and said spool whereby said cable may be stored within said housing.
 15. The invention as described in claim 14, further including: means for returning said piston means to said initial position; and means for controlling the rate at which said piston means returns to said initial position to thereby insure that said second contacts remain closed for a predetermined time interval.
 16. Apparatus for use with a photographic device of the type having a control system actuable to serially perform operational events defining a photographic cycle and first switch means for actuating said control system; said apparatus functioning to bypass said switch means and actuate said control system from a location remote from said photographic device, including: first plural electrical contacts fixed to said photographic device and connected in electrical parallelism with said first switch means; a rotatable housing; a spool disposed within said housing for rotational movement therebetween; second plural electrical contacts fixedly disposed within said housing; an electrically conductive cable at least partially disposed within said housing and connected at one end to said second contacts and connectable at its other end to said first contacts; second switch means disposed within said housing for opening and closing said second contacts and shunting said first contacts when said cable is connected to said first contacts; cylinder means disposed within said housing; and piston means movably disposed within said cylinder means and connected to said second switch means whereby movement of said piston means within said cylinder means from an initial position to a second position will close said second contacts.
 17. The invention as described in claim 16, further including: means for returning said piston means to said initial position; and means for controlling the rate at which said piston means returns to said initial position to thereby insure that said second contacts remain closed for a predetermined time interval.
 18. The invention as set forth in claim 16, further including means for winding said cable about said spool in response to rotation of said housing whereby said cable may be stored within said housing.
 19. The invention as described in claim 18, further including: means for returning said piston means to said initial position; and means for controlling the rate at which said piston means returns to said initial position to thereby insure that said second contacts remain closed for a predetermined time interval. 